The benefits of Chiropractic care extend well beyond pain relief. The spine intimately connects to the central nervous system and explains why so many people of all ages experience a wide variety of health benefits when the spine operates optimally. Chiropractic was developed based on musculoskeletal and neurological science that connects structure to function. Better breathing, improved sleep, immunity, energy, and even digestive health represent a few of the many benefits which stem from a properly operating nervous system.

 Evidence based research dating back over 100 years explains the connection between nervous system health and overall wellness. Recent studies investigated the need for Chiropractic care when combating the opioid crisis. Opioid-related deaths skyrocketed to nearly 50,000 cases in 2017, up almost 10% from the previous year. Millions of new people every year turn to dangerous opioid drugs to deal with pain and suffering and the outcome proves devastating. Chiropractic can help.

 New research published in March 2020 revealed several studies which link Chiropractic care to a lower risk of needing opioid prescriptions. Every study showed that patients under Chiropractic care experienced a lower rate and risk of taking opioids.

• Among U.S. adults prescribed opioids, 59% reported experiencing back pain.
• A retrospective study of 165,569 adults diagnosed with low back pain found that utilizing Chiropractic services associated with a reduced risk of opioid use.
• In a cohort of 1,702 patients who experienced a new episode of neck pain, patients who received Chiropractic care experienced a 46% decrease in opioid prescriptions within one year of their first visit.
• In a study of 14,025 veterans, the percentage of patients receiving opioid prescriptions lowered after veterans began receiving Chiropractic care for low back pain.
• A study of health insurance claims for the treatment of low back pain found a 55% reduction in the likelihood of opioid prescriptions being filled amongst recipients of Chiropractic care.
• A systematic review of studies examining the association between Chiropractic care and opioid use found that opioid prescriptions were significantly lower among Chiropractic patients.
• The risk of filling a prescription for an opioid analgesic over a six-year period reduced by half for recipients of Chiropractic care.
• Patients engaged with Chiropractor care within 30 days of a diagnosed spinal injury experienced greater reduction in opioid risk.
• The long-term protective effect of Chiropractic care sustained beyond 1,200-1,500 days, indicating that Chiropractic treatment provides sustainable result driven outcomes beyond the reach of pills and pharmaceuticals.

 Opioids cause more suffering than relief when viewed as a long-term solution to pain. The loss of life and financial burden create a growing epidemic which becomes greater in magnitude each year. Research continues to show that Chiropractors provide a safe and effective approach to help relieve pain and dependency on opioids. Nervous system care offers a proactive solution that offers health and healing. Start with Chiropractic.

 Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass) March 6, 2020 “Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain.”   JM Whedon, AWJ Toler, LA Kazal, S Bezdijian, JM Goehl, J Greenstein